Olympics hero Alex Yee’s fairytale year draws to a close with the running track in Lewisham where he started out being named after him.
Yee was cheered by pupils from his old school whose dreams have been inspired by the most successful triathlete in history.
The 26-year-old said after the official unveiling of a new plaque at the now Alex Yee Ladywell Arena in Catford on Friday: “I feel a bit speechless.”
Hours later, the newly-crowned SJA Sportsman of the Year also won Team GB’s Moment of the Games award for his thrilling last-gasp victory over New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde to win gold in Paris this summer.
He finishes 2024 unbeaten as both the Olympic and world triathlon champion.
Yee, born in Lewisham Hospital and brought up in Brockley, attended Stillness Infant and Junior schools in Honor Oak Park.
But a horrific 2017 crash that left him with broken ribs, vertebrae and a shoulder blade as well as a punctured lung plunged his career into doubt.
Yee added: “This lovely tribute from my local community is the first time I’ve felt this emotional since Paris and realised the significance of what I’ve achieved.
“I’m very honoured and it was brilliant to have so many people here, my family, coaches and teacher, who have helped me so much with my career.
“I hope that many more young people in Lewisham continue to enjoy and use this arena to follow their dreams and become the very best versions of themselves.”
Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres said the tribute was “a reminder to every young person that greatness is within their reach”, adding: “So, on behalf of everyone in Lewisham, a huge thank you to Alex for his dedication, for his triumphs, and for inspiring each of us to believe in what is possible.
“We hope that this arena, now bearing Alex’s name, continues to inspire many generations to come.”
Lewisham North MP Vicky Foxcroft said: “Grassroots organisations and venues - such as this very arena - have a vital role to play in ensuring every child gets those choices and chances, no matter what their background.
“I am so proud that the most successful Olympic triathlete of all time is from my constituency. As well as being a brilliant athlete, Alex is an incredible ambassador for sport and I’m sure an inspiration to many young people in Lewisham and beyond.”
Yee, whose Olympic haul stands at two golds, one silver and one bronze medal, also won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
🌟🥇 What a special day celebrating the outstanding achievements of @lixsanyee, our amazing Lewisham Olympian. Alex unveiled a new golden plaque for the re-named Alex Yee Ladywell Arena.
— Lewisham Council (@LewishamCouncil) November 22, 2024
💖🏃♂️ THANK YOU for making our borough SO proud! @Brenda_Dacres @vickyfoxcroft @Edison1d pic.twitter.com/iI1HwaHMzh
His Instagram bio reads: “Lewisham to the World” and even he has been taken aback by his success.
In 2021, when Yee received an email informing him he’d been honoured with an MBE he initially believed the invitation to Buckingham Palace was a joke.
